Researchers Studying the Causes of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ at Moffitt Cancer Center Near St. Petersburg, FL

The causes of ductal carcinoma in situ have and continue to be extensively studied, but as of yet, they are still unclear. The scientists and clinicians at Moffitt Cancer Center near St. Petersburg, FL, are working tirelessly to expand our knowledge base about this common type of breast cancer. The research breakthroughs we’ve accomplished to date are well recognized and have earned us a prestigious Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute. Every day, we continue to learn more about breast cancer and come one step closer to finding a cure.

Thus far, we have been able to establish that ductal carcinoma in situ develops when the DNA of healthy breast duct cells becomes damaged. The damage causes those cells to multiply very rapidly, and the resulting accumulation of excess cells can bind together and form tumors. We are now working to identify the precise causes this DNA damage.

Toward this end, extensive research efforts are underway at Moffitt, near St. Petersburg, Florida, where we are currently focusing on the specific stages of breast cancer development. To help us understand how and why ductal carcinoma in situ develops, we are examining:

The role of known risk factors, such as hereditary mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, in causing healthy breast duct cells to undergo cancerous changes

The particular genes that sustain damage during the development of ductal carcinoma in situ and whether these genes can be targeted through specific treatments

The reasons why ductal carcinoma in situ sometimes becomes invasive and spreads to surrounding breast tissue and other areas of the body

As Moffitt’s researchers continue to learn more about the causes of ductal carcinoma in situ, we are incorporating our newfound knowledge into the development of more effective breast cancer treatments, such as genetically targeted therapies. Through these efforts, we are creating a new source of hope for many people who are living with breast cancer, and we strive to continually build upon that hope and one day find a cure.

The oncologists in the Don & Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program at Moffitt Cancer Center can explain in greater detail the causes of ductal carcinoma in situ, as well as the research that has led to these conclusions. To request an appointment at our clinic near St. Petersburg, FL, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online. We accept patients with and without referrals.

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